Metro Tunnel

08 Apr 2020

ANZAC Station construction update

One of the first visible signs of major construction for the new Anzac Station on St Kilda Rd was the bright yellow silos installed in 2018.

After nearly two years of construction, the silos – ranging in height from eight metres to 12 metres and used to produce a liquid clay called bentonite to support construction – are being decommissioned and removed as the project completed the final section of diaphragm wall (D-wall).

Completing the last part of the D-wall, which forms the underground walls of the station, is a major milestone that means the entire perimeter of Anzac Station is now constructed underneath St Kilda Rd, an incredible feat considering the work was done while trams and traffic continued to flow.

Construction has now begun on the final section of the station roof, which will be finished just in time for the launch of the tunnel boring machines (TBMs) later this year. The TBMs will start their journey underneath the acoustic shed, along the length of the station box before continuing to the eastern tunnel entrance in South Yarra.

The completion of the D-walls and the removal of the bentonite plant will also allow construction to begin on the station entrance adjacent to the Shrine of Remembrance grounds. The first of the station entrances to be built at Anzac Station, it will allow pedestrians direct, un-ticketed access underneath St Kilda Rd through the station to Albert Rd.

All Metro Tunnel work sites are strictly adhering to safety guidelines regarding coronavirus.

Rail Projects Victoria CEO Evan Tattersall said, “Rail Projects Victoria and its contractors have comprehensive health and safety policies in place to protect the health and safety of all team members, including social distancing and other measures where appropriate for specific construction tasks to be undertaken safely.”

Tunnel boring machine (TBM) commissioning underway

With TBMs Joan and Meg having recently completed the first 1.2km section of tunnel from Arden to Kensington, the Metro Tunnel Project is preparing for the start of tunnelling in the east.

Two more TBMs – Millie and Alice – are currently being assembled and tested 20 metres below St Kilda Rd in the Anzac Station box.

Assembly of TBM Millie, with its yellow cutterhead, is now complete with the tunnelling team focused on testing the electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems prior to launch.

Assembly continues on TBM Alice, which features a bright green cutterhead.

Following testing and commissioning, the TBMs will be launched approximately four weeks apart and start tunnelling towards the eastern tunnel entrance in South Yarra mid-year.

Metro Tunnel HQ

Metro Tunnel HQ in Swanston St has been temporarily closed as a precautionary response to the coronavirus situation.

The Metro Tunnel education program activities are also on hold during this time •